The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has been the single most successful clean fuels policy in the United States, making fuel more affordable for millions of Americans, helping to generate jobs, reviving rural America, reducing oil imports, and protecting our environment by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, a 2019 study found that consumers save 22 cents on every gallon of gas thanks to the Renewable Fuel Standard. That’s a savings of nearly $5 every time you fill up, or $250 per American family every year.
More than a decade after the RFS2 was adopted, enormous progress has been made toward achieving the objectives of this landmark policy. It’s clear that renewable fuels like ethanol are a win for all Americans. It’s more affordable than traditional gasoline, it reduces America’s dependence on petroleum and harmful vehicle emissions, and production of ethanol supports nearly 300,000 American jobs. The value of agricultural products and farm income have been buoyed. And, communities across the country have benefited from job creation, increased tax revenue, and heightened household income that stem from the construction and operation of a biorefinery.
Renewable fuels like ethanol have a forty-year track record of making fuel more affordable and vehicles more efficient for millions of Americans. To build on this record of success, the renewable fuels industry needs consistent policy in place for continued growth and innovation. Attempts by the oil industry to repeal or change the RFS would undermine the progress we have made. It’s critical the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) follow the intent of Congress and meet the 15 billion gallon Renewable Volume Obligations set forth in the statute.